Golf Training Apparatuses and Methods

ABSTRACT

A golf training apparatus may include a substantially planar member having a top surface, a plurality of left foot profiles on the top surface, and a plurality of right foot profiles on the top surface. Each of the plurality of left foot profiles may have a different size, and each of the right foot profiles may have a different size. The right foot profiles may be spaced a distance from the left foot profiles. Each of the right foot profiles may substantially correspond in size with one of the left foot profiles. The left and right foot profiles increase in size as the distance between the substantially same-sized left and right foot profiles increases.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to golf training apparatuses and methods forassisting a golfer in developing a proper golf swing. More particularly,the invention relates to golf training apparatuses and methods in whichthe golfer stands on a board that pivots in response to the weight shiftof a golfer during a golf swing.

BACKGROUND

Numerous devices have been developed and produced to assist a golfer inimproving his or her golf game. Some devices are intended to be used orworn by the golfer during actual play to improve, control and develop agolf swing, which is one of the most important skills to be developed inbecoming a better golfer. Such devices, however, are not permitted to beused or worn during tournament play under most professional and amateurrules. As such, these devices are actually instructional aids that canbe used in practice to train a golf swing for application incompetition.

Other golf instructional devices are not suited for use during actualplay, but are instead designed to be used at a practice range, in abackyard, in a home, etc. Many such instructional devices pertain to thecorrect positioning and gripping of the club and/or positioning of thefeet by a golfer during a golf swing. However, it is also important fora golfer to maintain balance during setup (or address) and swinging ofthe golf club. Perfect balance is achieved when the golfer's center ofmass is consistently positioned directly over the center of the golfer'sbase of support.

It may be desirable to provide golf training apparatuses and methodsthat aid in achieving perfect balance. It may be desirable to providegolf training apparatuses and methods that provide instant feedback toaid golfers in training their body to maintain balance throughout setupand swinging of a golf club. It may be desirable to provide golftraining apparatuses and methods that increase strength and endurance ofa golfer, which in turn may help to reduce the risk of injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various aspects of the disclosure, a golf trainingapparatus may comprise a substantially planar member having a topsurface, a plurality of left foot profiles on the top surface, and aplurality of right foot profiles on the top surface. Each of theplurality of left foot profiles may have a different size, and each ofthe right foot profiles may have a different size. The right footprofiles may be spaced a distance from the left foot profiles. Each ofthe right foot profiles may substantially correspond in size with one ofthe left foot profiles. The left and right foot profiles increase insize as the distance between the substantially same-sized left and rightfoot profiles increases.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a golf trainingapparatus may comprise a substantially planar member having a topsurface, at least one left foot profile on the top surface of the planarmember, and at least one right foot profile on the top surface of theplanar member. Each of the at least one right foot profile may be spaceda distance from the at least one left foot profile, and one left footprofile may be substantially the same size as one right foot profile. Afirst alignment marking may be substantially centrally located betweenthe same-size right and left foot profiles. A pair of additionalalignment markings may each be located in opposite directions from thefirst alignment marking. The same-size right and left foot profiles maycooperate with the first alignment marking and a first one of saidadditional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for aright-handed user, and the same-size right and left foot profiles maycooperate with the first alignment marking and a second one of saidadditional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for aleft-handed user.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, a golf training apparatusmay comprise a substantially planar member having a top surface, alength, and a width. The apparatus may include at least one left footprofile on the top surface of the planar member, and at least one rightfoot profile on the top surface of the planar member. Each of the atleast one right foot profile being spaced a distance from the at leastone left foot profile in a direction of the length of the planar member,and one left foot profile being substantially the same size as one rightfoot profile. The apparatus may comprise first and second pivot membersremovably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member. The firstpivot member may be attachable across the width of the planar member andmay be substantially centered along the length of the planar member. Asecond pivot member may be attachable along the length of the planarmember and may be substantially centered across the width of the planarmember.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary golf training apparatus inaccordance with various aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the exemplary golf training apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the exemplary golf training apparatusof FIG. 1, including a first attachment, in accordance with variousaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the exemplary golf training apparatusof FIG. 1, including a second attachment, in accordance with variousaspects of the disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a golf training kit, including the golf trainingapparatus of FIG. 1 and a plurality of attachments, in accordance withvarious aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of a golf training apparatus 100 is illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2. The golf training apparatus 100 may comprise asubstantially planar member 102, such as for example a board. The boardmay be constructed of wood, plywood, plastic, fiberglass, or the like.The material may be selected according to a manufacturer's cost anddesign objectives. However, the board should be sufficiently rigid so asto substantially not deflect about a pivot axis under the weight of auser, which includes any human child or adult, male or female.

According to various aspects of the disclosure, the substantially planarmember 102 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a top view, asshown in FIG. 1. However, it should be appreciated that the planarmember 102 may be shaped as a square, a circle, an oval, or any otherdesired shape. According to some aspects, the planar member 102 may havea length L of about 25 in., a width W of about 13 in., and a thickness T(or depth) of about 1 in. or less. For example, the planar member 102may have a length of about 24.875 in., a width of about 13.25 in., and athickness of about 0.75 in. It should be appreciated that otherdimensions of the planar member 102 may be used as desired.

The planar member 102 may include a top surface 104. According tovarious aspects, the top surface 104 may comprise a non-slip surface.For example, the top surface 104 may comprise a plastic, non-slipmaterial. In some aspects, the material may comprise an adhesive-backedsheet adhered to the planar member 102. In some aspects, the materialmay include a coating applied to the planar member 102.

The top surface 104 of the substantially planer member 104 includes aset of left foot profiles 106 and a set of right foot profiles 108. Eachset 106, 108 includes the same number of profiles, which are arranged ina number of matching pairs spaced substantially equally from alongitudinally-centered axis 110 (i.e., extending transverse to thelength L and centered along the length L) of the planar member 102. Forexample, the set of left foot profiles 106 includes a first left footprofile 111 that substantially matches the size of first right footprofile 121. Referring to FIG. 1, each of the first thru seventh leftfoot profiles 111-117 substantially matches the size of the firstthrough seventh right foot profiles 121-127, respectively. These sevenmatching sets (e.g., 111-121, 112-122, etc.) form seven pairs ofleft/right foot profiles. Although FIG. 1 illustrates seven pairs ofleft/right foot profiles, it should be appreciated that the planarmember 102 may include more or fewer pairs of profiles, as desired.

According to various aspects, the matching set of foot profiles may becolor-coded, numbered, or otherwise labeled to simplify use. Forexample, the first right and left foot profiles 111, 121 may be the samecolor, which color may differ at least from the next most proximate pairof profiles 112, 122, so as to be easily identified. Alternatively, oradditionally, a prominent boundary line may be used delineate theboundary between adjacent pairs.

Along a first side 130 of the substantially planar member 102, the topsurface 104 may include a series of alignment markings 132. The markings132 may include a first alignment marking 134 that is substantiallycentered between the set of left foot profiles 106 and the set of rightfoot profiles 108 at the longitudinal center axis 110 of the planarmember. That is, the first marking 134 is substantially centered betweenthe first right and left foot profiles 111, 121, and thus between eachand every pair of left and right foot profiles.

The series of alignment markings 132 may include a second left alignmentmarking 136 and a second right alignment marking 138. The second leftand right alignment markings 136, 138 are spaced substantially the samedistance from the first marking 134. The second left marking 136 isspaced to the left and the second right marking 138 is spaced to theright as viewed from the top of the planar member 102, as shown in FIG.1.

The series of markings 132 may also include a third left alignmentmarking 140 and a third right alignment marking 142. The third left andright alignment markings 140, 142 are spaced substantially the samedistance from the first marking 134. The third left marking 140 isspaced to the left and the third right marking 142 is spaced to theright as viewed from the top of the planar member 102, as shown in FIG.1.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in accordance with various aspects, anexemplary golf training apparatus 300 may comprise the substantiallyplanar member 102 and a removably detachable pivot member 350. The pivotmember 350 extends across the width W of the planar member 102 at alocation substantially centered between first and second longitudinalends 144, 146 of the planar member 102. According to some aspects, thepivot member 350 may have a length L_(P) (FIG. 5) that substantiallymatches the width W of the planar member 102.

The pivot member 350 may have a width W_(P) and a thickness T_(P) (ordepth) sized and arranged to allow the planar member 102 to pivot aboutthe pivot member 350 when a user's weight is applied to the top surface104 of the planar member 102 disproportionately toward one of the ends144, 146. According to various aspects, the pivot member 350 may have awidth W_(P) of about 2 in. or less and a thickness T_(P) of about 1.5in. For example, in some aspects, the pivot member 350 may have asubstantially rectangular cross-section with a width W_(P) of about 2in. and a thickness T_(P) of about 1.5 in. In some aspects, the pivotmember 350 may have a substantially square-cross-section a width W_(P)of about 1.5 in. and a thickness T_(P) of about 1.5 in. It should beappreciated that the dimensions of the pivot member 350 can be modifiedto provide different balance sensitivities relative to the planer member102. Such sensitivities may also be dependent on the dimensions and/orweight of the planar member 102 and/or the user.

The pivot member 350 may be constructed of wood, plywood, plastic,fiberglass, or the like. The material may be selected according to amanufacturer's cost and design objectives; however, the pivot member 350should be sufficiently rigid so as to avoid collapse and/or compressionunder the weight of a user, which includes any human child or adult,male or female.

According to some aspects, the pivot member 350 may be attached to theplanar member 102 via one or more nuts and bolts. The pivot member 350and/or the planar member 102 may include pre-drilled holes and/orcounter-sunk bores configured to receive and/or recess the nut and/orbolt. FIG. 1 depicts exemplary locations for pre-drilled holes and bores352. It should be appreciated that the use of two or more pairs of nutsand bolts helps to prevent relative rotation between the planar member102 and the pivot member 350. Alternatively or additionally, the pivotmember 350 may be attached to the planer member 102 viahook-and-loop-type fasteners (e.g., Velcro™) or any other knownfastener.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in accordance with various aspects, anexemplary golf training apparatus 400 may comprise the substantiallyplanar member 102 and a removably detachable pivot member 450. The pivotmember 450 extends along the length L of the planar member 102 at alocation substantially centered between the first side 130 and a secondside 148 of the planar member 102. According to some aspects, the pivotmember 450 may have a length L_(P2) (FIG. 5) that substantially matchesthe length of the planar member 102.

The pivot member 450 may have a width W_(P2) and a thickness T_(P2) (ordepth) sized and arranged to allow the planar member 102 to pivot aboutthe pivot member 450 when a user's weight is applied to the top surface104 of the planar member 102 disproportionately toward one of the sides130, 148. According to various aspects, the pivot member 450 may have awidth W_(P2) of about 2 in. or less and a thickness T_(P2) of about 1.5in. For example, in some aspects, the pivot member 450 may have asubstantially rectangular cross-section with a width W_(P2) of about 2in. and a thickness T_(P2) of about 1.5 in. In some aspects, a pivotmember 450 may have a substantially square-cross-section a width W_(P2)of about 1.5 in. and a thickness T_(P2) of about 1.5 in. It should beappreciated that the dimensions of the pivot member 450 can be modifiedto provide different balance sensitivities relative to the planer member102. Such sensitivities may also be dependent on the dimensions and/orweight of the planar member 102 and/or the user.

The pivot member 450 may be constructed of wood, plywood, plastic,fiberglass, or the like. The material may be selected according to amanufacturer's cost and design objectives; however, the pivot member 450should be sufficiently rigid so as to avoid collapse and/or compressionunder the weight of a user, which includes any human child or adult,male or female.

According to some aspects, the pivot member 450 may be attached to theplanar member 102 via one or more nuts and bolts. The pivot member 450and/or the planar member 102 may include pre-drilled holes and/orcounter-sunk bores configured to receive and/or recess the nut and/orbolt. FIG. 1 depicts exemplary locations for pre-drilled holes and bores452. It should be appreciated that the use of two or more pairs of nutsand bolts helps to prevent relative rotation between the planar member102 and the pivot member 450. Alternatively or additionally, the pivotmember 450 may be attached to the planer member 102 viahook-and-loop-type fasteners (e.g., Velcro™) or any other knownfastener.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary golf training apparatus 500 maycomprise the substantially planar member 102 and a plurality ofremovably attachable pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451. It should beappreciated that the apparatus 500 may include more or less than thefour pivot members shown in FIG. 5. It should also be appreciated thatother dimensions of the pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451 may be used asdesired.

As illustrated, pivot members 350, 351 may have the same length andthickness, but different widths. Similarly, pivot members 450, 451 mayhave the same length and thickness, but different widths. It should beappreciated that the lengths, widths, and/or thicknesses of the pivotmembers 350, 351, 450, 451 may be varied to provide various level ofdifficulty to the user. It should be appreciated that the apparatus 500may include at least one pivot member 350 or 351 and at least one pivotmember 450 or 451 or it may include a plurality of pivot members 350,351 and no pivot members 450, 451 or it may include a plurality of pivotmembers 450, 451 and no pivot members 350, 351.

As described above, the one or more pivot members 350, 351 may beconfigured to extend across the width W of the planar member 102 at alocation substantially centered between first and second longitudinalends 144, 146 of the planar member 102. The one or more other pivotmembers 450, 451 may be configured to extend along the length L of theplanar member 102 at a location substantially centered between the firstside 130 and a second side 148 of the planar member 102.

According to some aspects, the pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451 may beremovably attached to the planar member 102 via one or more nuts andbolts. The pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451 and/or the planar member 102may include pre-drilled holes and/or counter-sunk bores configured toreceive and/or recess the nut and/or bolt. FIG. 1 depicts exemplarylocations for pre-drilled holes and bores 352, 452. It should beappreciated that the use of two or more pairs of nuts and bolts helps toprevent relative rotation between the planar member 102 and the pivotmembers 350, 351, 450, 451. Alternatively or additionally, the pivotmembers 350, 351, 450, 451 may be attached to the planer member 102 viahook-and-loop-type fasteners (e.g., Velcro™) or any other knownfastener.

In operation, the golf training apparatus 100, 300, 400, 500 may includeup to three varying levels of difficulty for use in training the body intwo different planes. For example, the first level of difficulty(beginner) may comprise the planar member 102 with no pivot member, thesecond level of difficulty (intermediate) may comprise the planar member102 with a relatively wide pivot member 350, 450, and the third level ofdifficulty (advanced) may comprise the planar member 102 with arelatively narrow pivot member 351, 451. The planar member 102 and pivotmembers 350, 351, 450, 451 may be used to train the body in twodifferent planes. First is the anterior/posterior (or heel and toe)plane, which is accomplished with the planar member 102 by itself or incombination with the pivot members 450, 451. Second is the lateral (orleft and right) plane, which is accomplished with the planar member 102by itself or in combination with the pivot members 350, 351.

The golf training apparatus 300, 400, 500 may also include one or morepairs of bolts and nuts for attaching the various pivot members to theplanar member 102. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus 300,400, 500 may include Velcro™, or any other known attachment mechanism.Attaching the various pivot members to the planar member and working onbalance in these two different planes will indicate the golfer'stendencies and also provide the valuable feedback necessary to improve.

The sets of left and right foot profiles 106, 108 on the top surface 104of the planar member 102 may instruct a golfer where to place his or herfeet. The golfer finds the pair of left-right foot profiles 111-121,112-122, etc. that most closely matches the size of his or her feet. Thesizes of the foot profiles 111-117, 121-127 relate to shoulder widths ofvarious golfers, depending on height, age, sex, or the like. The footprofiles 111-117, 121-127 are sized and spaced so as to create a stancewhere a golfer's left and right feet are substantially shoulder-widthapart. As shown in FIG. 1, the right and left foot profiles 111-117,121-127 get progressively larger as the distance between them increases,which reflects the fact that a person's shoulders typically get wider ashe or she grows.

A shoulder-width stance may create the strongest and most balanced stateof a golfer's body. Also, as can be seen in FIG. 1, the amount of footflare (i.e., toes turned out) of the left and right foot profiles111-117, 121-127 is minimal, which may allow sufficient rotation of thelower body during the golf swing while promoting better balance in ananterior/posterior plane. This foot placement may also aid the golfer inplacing weight upon the balls of the feet.

The series of marking 132 along the first side 130 of the planar member102 may instruct a golfer where to position a golf club opposite thestance at the time of set-up (or address). A golfer uses a variety ofgolf clubs that come in different lengths and designs and require adifferent angle of attack with the clubhead. By varying the positioningof these clubs opposite the stance and the planar member, the golferwill produce the desired angle of attack upon the ball with theclubhead.

As set forth above, the first alignment marking 134 is substantiallycentered between the sets of right and left foot profiles 106, 108. Assuch, the first alignment marking 134 instructs a golfer where to alignputters and wedges. As this first marking 134 is substantially centered,this marking instructs both right- and left-handed golfers as to whereto align these clubs.

The second alignment markings 136, 138 instruct a golfer as to where toalign irons, hybrid irons, and fairway woods, while the third alignmentmarkings 140, 142 instruct a golfer as to where to align a driver.Second markings 136, 138 are substantially equidistant from the firstalignment marking 134, as are markings 140, 142. As such, the second andthird markings 136, 140 instruct a right-handed golfer where to alignthe clubs, while the second and third markings 138, 142 instruct aleft-handed golfer where to align the clubs.

It should be appreciated that the club head is not aligned directly withthe first side 130 of the planar member 102. Instead, the club head willthe aligned with the respective alignment marking 134, 136, 138, 140,142, but spaced from the planar member 102 a distance that is determinedby the user's height, arm length, posture, golf club length, and thelike. Also, the golf training apparatus 100, 300, 400, 500 may providefeedback as to the appropriate distance of the club head from the planarmember 102.

The golf training apparatus 100, 300, 400, 500 may be packaged with acomprehensive instructional DVD that provides instruction on how to usethe apparatus correctly and how to customize its use for the playerindividually. The DVD may also demonstrate various drills for testingthe golfer and improving their set up and swing and contain a program ofexercises that are fitness related yet relevant to the golf swing.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the devices and methods ofthe present disclosure without departing from the scope of theinvention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein thematching foot profile pairs provide foot placement and spacinginstructions for users having various shoulder widths based on acomparison between foot size of a user, which substantially correspondsto a shoulder width of the user, and the sizes of the matching footprofile pairs.
 4. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a firstalignment marking on the top surface of the planar member, the firstalignment marking being substantially centrally located between thesame-size right and left foot profiles; and a pair of additionalalignment markings on the top surface of the planar member, each of saidadditional markings being located in opposite directions from the firstalignment marking, wherein the matching foot profile pairs cooperatewith the first alignment marking and a first one of said additionalalignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a right-handeduser, and the matching foot profile pairs cooperate with the firstalignment marking and a second one of said additional alignment markingsto provide alignment instructions for a left-handed user.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a second pair of additionalalignment markings on the top surface of the planar member, each of saidsecond pair of additional markings being located in opposite directionsfrom the first alignment marking, the second pair of additionalalignment markings being further from the first alignment marking thatthe pair of alignment markings, wherein the matching foot profile pairscooperate with the first alignment marking and a first one of saidsecond pair of additional alignment markings to provide alignmentinstructions for a right-handed user, and the matching foot profilepairs cooperate with the first alignment marking and a second one ofsaid second pair of additional alignment markings to provide alignmentinstructions for a left-handed user.
 6. A golf training apparatus,comprising: a substantially planar member having a top surface; aplurality of left foot profiles on the top surface of the planar member,each of the left foot profiles having a different size; a plurality ofright foot profiles on the top surface of the planar member, each of theright foot profiles having a different size, the right foot profilesbeing spaced a distance from the left foot profiles, each of the rightfoot profiles substantially corresponding in size with one of the leftfoot profiles, the left and right foot profiles increasing in size asthe distance between the substantially same-sized left and right footprofiles increases, each pair of the substantially same-sized left andright foot profiles comprising a matching foot profile pair; a firstpivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planarmember, the first pivot member being attachable across the width of theplanar member and substantially centered along the length of the planarmember and between the matching foot profile pairs; and a second pivotmember removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member,the second pivot member being attachable along the length of the planarmember and substantially centered across the width of the planar member.7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first pivot member has a lengthsubstantially equal to the width of the planar member, and the secondpivot member has a length substantially equal to the length of theplanar member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a thirdpivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planarmember, the third pivot member being attachable across the width of theplanar member and substantially centered along the length of the planarmember and between the matching foot profile pairs, the third pivotmember having a length and depth substantially matching a length anddepth of the first pivot member, the third pivot member having a widthequal to about half of the width of the first pivot member; and a fourthpivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planarmember, the fourth pivot member being attachable along the length of theplanar member and substantially centered across the width of the planarmember, the fourth pivot member having a length and depth substantiallymatching a length and depth of the second pivot member, the fourth pivotmember having a width equal to about half of the width of the secondpivot member.
 9. A golf training apparatus, comprising: a substantiallyplanar member having a top surface; a left foot profile on the topsurface of the planar member; a right foot profile on the top surface ofthe planar member, the right foot profile being spaced a distance fromthe left foot profile, the left foot profile being substantially thesame size as the right foot profile, the same-sized right and left footprofiles comprising a matching foot profile pair; a first alignmentmarking substantially centrally located between the same-sized right andleft foot profiles; and a pair of additional alignment markings, each ofsaid additional markings being located in opposite directions from thefirst alignment marking, wherein the same-size right and left footprofiles cooperate with the first alignment marking and a first one ofsaid additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions fora right-handed user, and the same-size right and left foot profilescooperate with the first alignment marking and a second one of saidadditional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for aleft-handed user.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising asecond pair of additional alignment markings on the top surface of theplanar member, each of said second pair of additional markings beinglocated in opposite directions from the first alignment marking, thesecond pair of additional alignment markings being further from thefirst alignment marking that the pair of alignment markings, wherein thesame-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with the firstalignment marking and a first one of said second pair of additionalalignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a right-handeduser, and the same-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with thefirst alignment marking and a second one of said second pair ofadditional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for aleft-handed user.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: aplurality of additional left foot profiles on the top surface of theplanar member, each of the additional left foot profiles having adifferent size; and a plurality of additional right foot profiles on thetop surface of the planar member, each of the additional right footprofiles having a different size, the additional right foot profilesbeing spaced a distance from the additional left foot profiles, each ofthe additional right foot profiles substantially corresponding in sizewith one of the additional left foot profiles, the additional left andright foot profiles increasing in size as the distance between thesubstantially same-sized additional left and right foot profilesincreases.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the pairs of thesubstantially same-sized additional left and right foot profilescomprise additional matching foot profile pairs, the matching footprofile pairs providing foot placement and spacing instructions forusers having various shoulder widths based on a comparison between footsize of a user, which substantially corresponds to a shoulder width ofthe user, and the sizes of the matching foot profile pairs.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a first pivot memberremovably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the firstpivot member being attachable across the width of the planar member andsubstantially centered along the length of the planar member and betweenthe matching foot profile pairs; and a second pivot member removablyattachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the second pivotmember being attachable along the length of the planar member andsubstantially centered across the width of the planar member, andwherein the first pivot member has a length substantially equal to thewidth of the planar member, and the second pivot member has a lengthsubstantially equal to the length of the planar member.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a third pivot memberremovably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the thirdpivot member being attachable across the width of the planar member andsubstantially centered along the length of the planar member and betweenthe matching foot profile pairs, the third pivot member having a lengthand depth substantially matching a length and depth of the first pivotmember, the third pivot member having a width equal to about half of thewidth of the first pivot member; and a fourth pivot member removablyattachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the fourth pivotmember being attachable along the length of the planar member andsubstantially centered across the width of the planar member, the fourthpivot member having a length and depth substantially matching a lengthand depth of the second pivot member, the fourth pivot member having awidth equal to about half of the width of the second pivot member.
 15. Agolf training apparatus, comprising: a substantially planar memberhaving a top surface, a length, and a width; a left foot profile on thetop surface of the planar member; a right foot profile on the topsurface of the planar member, the right foot profile being spaced adistance from the left foot profile in a direction of the length of theplanar member, the left foot profile being substantially the same sizeas the right foot profile, the same-sized right and left foot profilescomprising a matching foot profile pair; a first pivot member removablyattachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the first pivotmember being attachable across the width of the planar member and beingsubstantially centered along the length of the planar member; and asecond pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of theplanar member, the second pivot member being attachable along the lengthof the planar member and being substantially centered across the widthof the planar member.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the firstpivot member has a length substantially equal to the width of the planarmember, and the second pivot member has a length substantially equal tothe length of the planar member.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, furthercomprising: a third pivot member removably attachable to a bottomsurface of the planar member, the third pivot member being attachableacross the width of the planar member and substantially centered alongthe length of the planar member and between the foot profile pair, thethird pivot member having a length and depth substantially matching alength and depth of the first pivot member, the third pivot memberhaving a width equal to about half of the width of the first pivotmember; and a fourth pivot member removably attachable to a bottomsurface of the planar member, the fourth pivot member being attachablealong the length of the planar member and substantially centered acrossthe width of the planar member, the fourth pivot member having a lengthand depth substantially matching a length and depth of the second pivotmember, the fourth pivot member having a width equal to about half ofthe width of the second pivot member.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15,further comprising a plurality of additional left foot profiles on thetop surface of the planar member, each of the additional left footprofiles having a different size; and a plurality of additional rightfoot profiles on the top surface of the planar member, each of theadditional right foot profiles having a different size, the additionalright foot profiles being spaced a distance from the additional leftfoot profiles, each of the additional right foot profiles substantiallycorresponding in size with one of the additional left foot profiles, theadditional left and right foot profiles increasing in size as thedistance between the substantially same-sized additional left and rightfoot profiles increases.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein thepairs of the substantially same-sized additional left and right footprofiles comprise additional matching foot profile pairs, the matchingfoot profile pairs providing foot placement and spacing instructions forusers having various shoulder widths based on a comparison between footsize of a user, which substantially corresponds to a shoulder width ofthe user, and the sizes of the matching foot profile pairs.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a first alignment marking onthe top surface of the planar member, the first alignment marking beingsubstantially centrally located between the same-size right and leftfoot profiles; and a pair of additional alignment markings on the topsurface of the planar member, each of said additional markings beinglocated in opposite directions from the first alignment marking, whereinthe same-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with the firstalignment marking and a first one of said additional alignment markingsto provide alignment instructions for a right-handed user, and thesame-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with the firstalignment marking and a second one of said additional alignment markingsto provide alignment instructions for a left-handed user.